Melbourne's stars back depth of squad during heat of Origin firestorm

Liam Napier

MELBOURNE skipper Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk have downplayed the effects of an Origin hangover and backed the Storm to continue their ruthless season without the presence of their influential superstars.

Storming to victory ... Cameron Smith scored a try and three conversions to help his side to the win in Auckland. Photo: Getty Images

Momentum and consistency can be derailed at this pivotal stage of the season as teams contribute large numbers of crucial players to the brutal Origin arena.

The Storm are hit especially hard. It is a common belief their success is built heavily on the ''big three'' - that of Smith, Cronk and Billy Slater. The threesome also form a key component of the Maroons' outfit. Given the trio's importance to both teams and the idea the Origin hangover will only get worse, concerns could be growing that the Storm might be on the cusp of a slump. The first week after playing at that peak level, players are still buzzing, riding high from the experience. But as the weeks roll on, that feeling can wane as the true strain begins to show.

''But Craig [Bellamy] and the medical staff do a great job with the representative players the last couple of years. They make a real point of resting us from training. Physically you can always get up for a game of football because that's what you love doing. But training coming out of Origin, it's such a big week … that can take it out of you.''

This Friday, the Storm meet Benji Marshall's Wests Tigers without their Origin stars. Some may suggest this would be the perfect time to knock over the NRL leaders, but Cronk has faith in the remaining squad to do the business.

The Maroons playmaker prickled at the notion Melbourne based their dominance around three men alone. ''These boys can stand up without us,'' he said.